Julianne's Journey 2014

Spring-Ford Area Senior High School

March 30, 2014

Throughout 2013 and early 2014, many efforts were made to raise funds for the Julianne Siller Memorial Scholarship Fund. One of the original ideas, had by family and friends of Julianne, was to celebrate Julianne's life with a 5K run/walk event. The decision was made to schedule the 5K for the end of March at Spring-Ford High School (Julianne's alma mater).

Family members, friends, and supporters of Julianne began to meet regularly starting in September of 2013. Through the coordinated efforts of this committee, the event successfully gained multiple corporate and local business sponsors. Members from the surrounding community offered assistance through the form of monetary donations, prizes, and even supplies for the race itself.

While the morning of March 30th was cold and rainy, hundreds of participants showed up ready to go! Everyone began by picking up their registration materials and checking out some of the raffle prizes. Around 9am, runners tied up their laces, donned their purple shirts, and made their way to the starting line. The race itself was a blast! While some broke away from the pack early on, most people enjoyed running through the wet, soppy, mud of a trail which was outlined for the course. Along the way, volunteers from The Gap (Julianne's place of employment) cheered runners on. Meanwhile, the 3K walk was taking place on the road which wraps around the high school. While it may not have been muddy, walkers were certainly feeling the cold rain - it made no difference! Walkers spent their time chatting with each other and reminiscing on Julianne's life.

Julianne’s family would like to thank each and everyone who came out and participated in the 1st annual Julianne’s Journey 5k run/walk. We are so grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support and without you, Julianne’s scholarship fund would not be possible. Julianne’s dream of going to college was taken away from her and with your help we’re trying to keep her dream alive by helping another Spring-Ford graduate with their college dreams. It’s incredible how Julianne’s life and passing has affected so many people and has brought the community together to keep her beautiful spirit and memory alive. We would also like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, businesses and individuals who donated gift cards and raffle baskets. Our heartfelt thanks to all who help support the planning and organization of Julianne’s 5k run/walk. It was a great success!

— The Siller Family

Curious to see more? Look through the event pictures below for a look back at the inaugural Julianne's Journey 5K.